copycat 1 of 2

noun

ˈkä-pē-ˌkat How to pronounce copycat (audio)
Definition of copycatnext
as in imitator
a person who adopts the appearance or behavior of another especially in an obvious way every rock singer who makes it big soon has a whole cluster of copycats

Synonyms & Similar Words

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copycat

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to copy
to make an exact likeness of asked her stylist to copycat a hairstyle from the magazine

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to imitate
to use (someone or something) as the model for one's speech, mannerisms, or behavior a performer who slavishly copycats another never rises to the level of true stardom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of copycat
Noun
When popular obesity and weight loss drugs were in shortage in recent years, the company could legally sell copycat versions at a discount. — Jacqueline Corba, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026 Not only would the ’70s see a precipitous rise of in the number of Hollywood sequels, but any film that managed to cut through the zeitgeist gave birth to handfuls of quick, formulaic, often cheaply made, copycats. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
But factors including insurance coverage, pricing, copycat drugs and the development of new pills will ultimately determine how far the treatments will reach. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2025 Maybe don’t copycat Netflix so much, other streamers. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for copycat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for copycat
  1. imitator
  2. copy
  3. imitate
  4. follower
  5. replicate
  6. emulate
  7. echo
  8. reproduce
Noun
  • No wonder More had so many imitators, who set about busily redrawing their own maps of the world.
    — Carline Tromp, The Dial, 18 Aug. 2026
  • That’s because success begets imitators eager to compete away profits.
    — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of imitator
Verb
  • Expect to see these features on future models atop the same platform in the coming years – and for other brands to copy them even sooner.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Don't start sending aggressive emails or copying numerous people on every message.
    — William Phillips, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of copy
Verb
  • In any event, there’s difficult-to-imitate value in how Planet of the Apes begins as a simple adventure film and winds up touching upon issues of prejudice, social inequality, and nuclear annihilation.
    — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
  • One year later, Clooney, 65, is back at the Venice Film Festival for a spin in the spotlight on the opening night for a bit of life imitating art.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of imitate
Noun
  • Today, Richards has 790,000 followers on Instagram, a Sunday Times bestselling book (The Anti-Inflammatory 30-day Reset), and wellness community called Found.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Pierre’s Instagram business account for her viral Japanese milk-bread cinnamon rolls boasts over 153,000 followers.
    — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of follower
Verb
  • They are not intended to represent normal use and should not be attempted or replicated.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Russia’s attempt to replicate SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network seems to be moving as slowly as the front lines in eastern Ukraine.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of replicate
Verb
  • Emirates’ massive suite, which is perched over the center of Ashe, is being remodeled this year to emulate the spacious lounges and curved bar on its double-decker Airbus 380 planes.
    — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Elf, however, deliberately taps into a cartoonish side of stop-motion by emulating the look of Rankin/Bass Christmas Specials.
    — James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of emulate
Noun
  • After Davis’ single appearance, Anne Baxter would step in as the matriarch of the series (as a new character), an ironic echo of Baxter’s Eve ambitiously attempting to usurp Davis’ Margo in the classic All About Eve.
    — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The echoes of his shot died away and the jungle was as still as a grave.
    — Leslie E. Tassell, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of echo
Verb
  • There are so many, because Venice has an atmosphere that is difficult to reproduce anywhere else.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Myers said these teacup animals usually come about through reproductive technology and selective breeding, where people repeatedly breed the smallest animals, then use the smallest offspring to reproduce.
    — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of reproduce

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Cite this Entry

“Copycat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/copycat. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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